mr. media matters on politics

NINE MONTHS

2007-02-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

My son Parker has now lived 9 months in the womb, and nine months out. He turned nine months old yesterday. He now has three teeth, jabbers like crazy and is still as cute as ever.

Update: I have changed to a newer picture of Parker.

Support the Surge

2007-01-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

This is the short letter I sent to every Republican in the US Senate. (hat tip Hugh Hewitt)

I believe it would be a mistake to vote for, or even allow a vote, on either the Biden or Warner amendment. This would embolden our enemies and send an unfortunate message to our troops. Support the surge.

The Pledge

2007-01-25T05:27:00.000-08:00

I signed the pledge. Have you? (hat tip - Hugh Hewitt)

MEDIA MATTRESS FAMILY

2007-01-20T13:02:00.000-08:00

Wish the Media Matters family luck. We're heading here for a staff retreat for my work. We need to win enough money to buy a new mattress. Then we'll be the Media Mattress family.

We're taking the little one with us. Should be interesting. I know a casino really isn't the place for an 8-month old. But we just don't feel ready to leave him behind.

The Mrs. and I got married in Reno, so it has always been a lucky city for me. In fact, the above photo was taken on that very day, by my beautiful bride.

SPANK THIS

2007-01-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

According to This article (registration required, Hat tip Drudge) it may soon be against the law to spank your child, under age four, in California. This is really bad news. I think parents should have the right to spank their children. Yes, they should do it sparingly and not in anger. But it should never be a crime to reasonably discipline your child. Let's hope this bill has no chance of passing.

GORE IS A BORE AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD HAPPENINGS

2007-01-17T23:20:00.000-08:00

This is so depressing. I can't bring myself to watch Al Gore's documentary, I am afraid I would fall into a deep sleep from which I would never recover. I used to love the Academy Awards. But when it is almost inevitable that they will honor this overblown, Bush-bashing demagogue who has gone off the deep end, I just cannot take it. I didn't watch the Golden Globes this year, either. Normally I would eat that kind of stuff up. But the threat of hearing celebrity after celebrity insult the global war on terror and/or the President just because it is easy and politically correct turns my stomach. I just can't tolerate it. Whatever happened to the Hollywood of WWII? They were patriotic. They were pro-military. They opposed the evil enemy. Now they coddle up to global warming loons and global terrorists on a regular basis. And on those awards shows, no one thanks God any more. They thank their agents and their lawyers and their children's nannies. But the Creator of the universe who gave them their talent isn't even an afterthought. Maybe it's because He doesn't buy into global warming or global terrorism either.

WE SEEM UNWILLING TO FIGHT

2007-01-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

I am very encouraged by this. (Hat tip - Instapundit) Overall, it has been very discouraging to see my country not willing to fight a war, not willing to win. Not willing to support the Commander In Chief. Radical Islamofascists want to kill us. And they will do whatever it takes to make that happen. We, on the other hand, don't seem to be willing to do much at all. Not our military, mind you. They are willing to fight and die and do the difficult things. But our media and many of our politicians just want to whine and pretend this deadly menace will somehow go away. Well, it won't. Unless we make it go away. That's what the war in Iraq is all about. Fighting the bad guys and killing them, in their part of the world, so we keep them from hitting us again in our homeland. I've never served in the military. I'm not what you would consider a tough person. But I get this. I get that this is life or death. And we've got to fight them. I only wish we had the will as a nation to do it, and to do it well. I am discouraged because it seems we do not.

WEE Wii WEE all the way...to the grave

2007-01-15T14:37:00.000-08:00

My fellow blogger Thirdwavedave got the ball rolling on this story. I'll add to it my own speculation. From what I could tell, the normal DJs who make up KDND's (The End) "Morning Rave" were not on the air this morning. I heard a distinctly different voice at around 8:55 AM. Now, it could be that this 3-person morning team simply had the Martin Luther King day holiday off. But what I think is more likely is that they are either being disciplined by the station, or they are being asked to keep a low profile until this story gets off the front page. That may take a while. I worked in radio and TV for years, and a three-person morning team is a big deal in a market like Sacramento. KDND is spending A LOT of money on it's morning drive time team. And because all of the money is going to pay for talent, I doubt they have their own producers. They probably are their own producers. So decisions about pulling a promotional stunt like the one that caused Jennifer Strange her life may have definitely been ones they were highly involved in. Again, let me stress this is speculation, I don't have any proof. Just my own media experience hunches. I will be very interested to find out whether Lukas, Maney and the female member of the "Morning Rave" (I don't know her name, it seems to change fairly often) will be back tomorrow.

A RELIGIOUS ROCKY

2007-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the sixth film in Sylvester Stallone's Rocky franchise. Sure, parts of Rocky Balboa are cheesy and predictable, but you still come away rooting for the Italian Stallion. And I grew up on Rocky films and have enjoyed each one of them. And the sixth, and presumably last, in the series is better than you would expect, better than Rocky IV or Rocky V were. One thing that caught me pleasantly by surpris: the use of religion to add to the inspirational tone of the film. In one montage scene, Rocky does the sign of the cross. A featured character in the movie, Rocky's old boxing nemesis, Spider Rico, quotes Scripture in the film and is portrayed as wanting to please Jesus with his life. And the evolving love story between Rocky and Marie is very simple and chaste. The film makes it clear the unmarried couple share nothing beyond a kiss. I don't remember these distinctly Christian elements in the earlier Rocky films. But they helped make this one even more memorable for me. It's a fun flick and I highly recommend it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2007-01-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Media Matters family. May you all have a blessed 2007.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2006-12-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE MEDIA MATTERS FAMILY.

STEPHANIE IS A STUD

2006-12-19T08:49:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Media Matters got a much deserved promotion at work this week. Kudos to her. Hu'band is proud.

POTTY MOUTH

2006-12-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

This is a song I made up that I sing to my son when it is diaper changing time. I don't really know how to explain the tune, but it has one, I promise.

Got to change your potties
So we don't have stinky bodies.

Got to change your poopies
So your butt don't start to droopies.

Got to change your wetties
So you don't stain the beddies.

Got to change your dipey
And use a lot of wipey.

At least Parker thinks it is cute.

DRIVE BY KISSES

2006-12-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

I spend a lot of time for my job in my car. At least once a week I find myself making a delivery or picking up a client in the neighborhood where my wife works. So I have developed a romantic little gesture that she loves. We call it the Drive By Kiss. Whenever I am in her neck of the woods, I call her and give her 5 minutes notice. Then I call again when I make it to the parking lot. She meets me out front of her office building, and the makeout session begins. OK, it's not quite that hot and heavy. But it is a nice way to add a little pizazz and romance to your day. And bring a smile to your wife's face. Husbands, if you have the ability to work drive by kisses into your routine, believe me, it pays dividends.

CHRISTMAS IS NO LONGER IN THE CARDS

2006-12-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

The sending of Christmas cards must be a lost art. We are planning on sending out over 40 as a family. (The Mrs. sent out even more at work.) I bought the Christmas stamps today. They should be going out this weekend. But so far, we've only received two. That seems like a real low number. Sort of depressing. Oh well. I still enjoy sending them out. Merry Christmas.

PEEVED AT PEOPLE MAGAZINE

2006-12-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

I bought my wife a subscription to People magazine for Christmas. She told me she'd always wanted one. So, like a good husband, I bought it. But it was supposed to be a surprise. I specifically told the operator at People magazine that this was a Christmas gift for my wife. I told her I did not want the subscription to start until after January 1, so the first issue wouldn't arrive before the holiday. Fine, she complied with all of that. What she did, instead, was send an invoice to my home address in an envelope with "THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING TO PEOPLE MAGAZINE" on the envelope in huge letters. Of course my wife, who gets home before I do and checks the mail, saw this and knew immediately that this is what I had gotten her for Christmas. AARGH! I am so ticked at People. What were they thinking? I feel like they owe me a discount for breaking the surprise. My wife is being sweet about it, and I know she'll enjoy the gift. Still, I wanted it to be a surprise and was led to believe that it would be. I guess the moral of this story is never count on a tabloid to keep a secret.

LUKING AT LUKE AND LAURA

2006-12-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

I was 14 when Luke originally married Laura on General Hospital. Because I went to school, I didn't see that pop culture event as it happened. I was not amongst the 30 million Americans who tuned in that day in November 1981. So, 25 years later, thanks to the magic of Tivo and cable TV (SoapNet), the Mrs. and I got to view this soap opera phenomenon. And for that reason, it was fun. My pop culture is very important to me. I'm glad I saw it. But I also felt like I was missing something. Years later, I guess it is hard to live up to the hype. Tony Geary, the Emmy Award winning actor, is a charismatic Luke, but he is far from TV handsome. Plus, Genie Francis as Laura is attractive, but she wasn't soap opera sexy. Still, I enjoyed the Liz Taylor cameo, the fight scene between Luke and Scotty, and all of the pomp and circumstance. Today, though, soap operas are more expensively produced and they're all about the hot young actors and actresses. Tony Geary would never be a heartthrob today. And the sets back in 1981 were very minimalistic, with fake backdrops and limited furnishings. Soaps have come along way in these last 25 years. But no one has yet to surpass the hysteria wrought by Luke and Laura.

PLEASE PRAY FOR PARKER

2006-12-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

Baby Media Matters has his next appointment with the pediatric neurosurgeon tomorrow. He had an MRI last month to examine the growth/movement of the cyst on his brain, and also to have another look at the portion of his brain that is malformed. We hope to get an encouraging report from the doctor tomorrow. Please keep Parker in your prayers.

GUYS NIGHT OUT

2006-12-10T20:36:00.000-08:00

My best friend and I went to see the new James Bond film, Casino Royale on Friday. It was a Guys' Night Out. I am convinced that men need other men in their lives, as friends, confidantes, a support group. If more men had solid male friendships, I think there would be less divorce and broken families in this country. Maybe that's why the military is such an appealing career choice for many because it provides a healthy atmosphere for camraderie and male bonding. It took me a number of years to learn this lesson, but now that I have, my friendships with my two best male friends are of the utmost importance to me. So I would highly recommend the Guys Night Out ritual. We enjoyed the movie. It is completely anti-Bond, in that it is like no other James Bond movie I have ever seen. There are really no gadgets, very few babes, and a different, "behind the scenes" storyline. The story is supposed to be how Bond became Bond and his first mission. So there's M, but no Q and no womanizing. But there were some good stunts, especially in the exciting opening sequence. The director did a great job of putting the audience in the stunts, as if we were jumping and climbing with the actors. Daniel Craig, in his first outing as 007, was a decent Bond. I think he will grow in the role. I look forward to the next Bond blockbuster.

THE NATIVITY SCENE IS TO BE SEEN

2006-12-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Does your home have one of these? It should. Thanks to Mrs. Media Matters, our Nativity scene is prominently displayed in the living room so Parker can grow up seeing and playing with it. She's had this set for 17 years, ever since her daughter was born. It's still in good shape, don't you think?

So get into the attic, or storage, and dust yours off and put it on display for all to see. Or if you don't have one, find one at a retail store or garage sale, and put the true meaning of Christmas on display in your home. I'd like to think you'll be glad you did.

IF I HAD AN IPOD...

2006-12-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

These songs would be on it.

Baby Baby by Amy Grant.

Get Out of My Dreams, Get Into My Car by Billy Ocean.

Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield.

Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson.

Breathless by The Corrs.

ENCOURAGE OUR MILITARY

2006-12-07T19:53:00.000-08:00

Recently I wrote about the Bible's admonition to "encourage one another." Then I was aptly reminded by Michelle Malkin that one of our brave soldiers needs some encouragement. You may remember him. Pvt. Sparling was the individual who received vile anti-war mail in the form of a Christmas card. This Christmas season, let's make sure all he gets are words of thanks and encouragement. Just do it. It will only cost you a few minutes of your time and one 39 cent stamp. He deserves it and you'll feel great about doing it.

Pfc. Joshua Sparling
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001

God Bless his Bluntness

2006-12-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

In an earlier post I wrote about how a sermon from my pastor inspired me to help make sure the Grinches don't steal Christmas. Well, now Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has joined the fight as well. And I applaud his efforts. Here is some of what he wrote in his directive: (HT: Powerline)

To ensure that there is no confusion regarding our state policy I am directing that each of you inform all members of your department that they should feel at ease using traditional holiday phrases, including "Merry Christmas" and they should have no fear of official reprisal. I also ask that you inform your staff that the objections of those who are offended by these phrases be given due consideration, but that no state employee will be reprimanded or in any way disciplined for saying "Merry Christmas."

And on that note -- Merry Christmas to all and to all a good blog!

BABY BLOGGER

2006-12-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

Well, you had to know it would happen. Mr. & Mrs. Media Matters have a baby, and sure enough, he blogs! Or at least he is practicing for his own blog some day. It will probably come natural to him. After all, he sees his parents doing it every day. So watch for the Baby Media Matters blog in the not too distant future.

THE ORIGINAL GRINCH

2006-12-04T19:48:00.000-08:00

I really liked the pastor's message yesterday. He spoke about how Herod attempted to be the first Grinch who stole Christmas. Threatened by Jesus' birth and the fear that He might really be "the King of the Jews," Herod ordered all baby boys murdered. But he didn't succeed in killing Jesus and thus Christmas came to earth. And there are Grinches that abound in today's day and age who would like to kill Christmas. But we Christians can't let that happen. That's why it's important to say "Merry Christmas" and to read the Gospel accounts of Jesus' birth and to support films like the Nativity Story. Because Christmas is all about Jesus and we can't let the Herods/Grinches of this world win.